Knives and pepper spray in Montana (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Montana's concealed-carry offence covers firearms only; the former section on other concealed weapons was repealed in 2021. The weapons part of the criminal code lists no offence for carrying knives. No provision on pepper spray was found.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Folding pocket knivesCarrying in public places | Montana's concealed-carry section (45-8-316) applies to firearms only. The former section on carrying other concealed weapons (45-8-317) was repealed in 2021. [1] |
| Locking or one-handed knivesCarrying in public places | The section list of Part 3 (Weapons) contains no section on switchblade or other automatic knives. [2] |
| Fixed-blade knivesCarrying in public places | The former section on carrying concealed weapons other than firearms (45-8-317) was repealed by Chapter 3, Laws of 2021. The section list of Part 3 contains no section on carrying fixed-blade knives. [3] |
| Pepper sprayCarrying in public places | ⚠ Not yet verified |
Notes
- Based on the section index of Part 3. Rules for places such as schools and local ordinances were not checked.
Sources
- Montana Legislature: MCA 45-8-316 Carrying concealed firearms - exemption (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Montana Legislature: MCA Title 45, Chapter 8, Part 3: Weapons (section index) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Montana Legislature: MCA 45-8-317 Repealed (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Montana and neighbouring states
| State | Folding pocket knives | Locking or one-handed knives | Fixed-blade knives | Pepper spray | Exceptions and legitimate reasons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montana | Carry offence covers firearms only | No section on automatic knives listed | No offence for carrying fixed blades listed | ⚠ Not yet verified | — |
| Idaho | Blade 6 in or less is not a 'deadly weapon' | No separate rule; 6 in blade limit | Concealed: allowed for most adult US citizens | Not a 'deadly weapon' | Home, own property, outside cities, plain view, vehicle |
| North Dakota | Not named if blade under 6 in | Switchblade/gravity knives named | Dangerous weapon; licence for concealed | Excluded from dangerous weapons | Licence (18+) or exemption |
| South Dakota | Only concealment with felony intent | ⚠ Not yet verified | Dangerous weapon includes some knives | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Wyoming | No knife rule; concealed deadly weapon offence | No knife-specific rule | Concealed deadly weapon offence | ⚠ Not yet verified | Officers, permit holders, permitless conditions |
More rules in Montana
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+, within limits · Growing at home: Yes: 2 mature plants, 2 seedlings
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 70 mph day / 65 night
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 15 (after 6 months on a learner licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 14.5 with a traffic education course
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle (one class)
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (permissible fireworks)
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $10.85 per hour
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes, every designated seat · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes, every designated seat
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 (sales/provision banned) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21 (sales/provision banned)
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% under 21
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.